Destination, Travel

3 Best Islands Around India You’ve Never Explored

3 Best Islands Around India You’ve Never Explored

best islands around India

Tropical Escapes That Promise Beauty, Solitude, and Soul-Stirring Adventure

Imagine walking barefoot on soft sands while the ocean hums quietly in the background. Ahead, thick palm trees sway in rhythm with the breeze, and the air feels lighter—less burdened by noise and time. That’s the magic these lesser-known islands bring to the table.

If you’ve explored Goa’s coastlines or taken sunset strolls at Kerala’s beaches, it might be time to try something more unique. This blog introduces you to the best islands around India (and nearby) that offer more than just views—they offer an experience worth writing home about.

1. Pulau Weh Island, Indonesia – A Peaceful Volcanic Escape

Just a few nautical miles off the northern tip of Sumatra lies Pulau Weh, a tranquil volcanic island that many travelers skip without knowing what they’re missing. Unlike Bali or Lombok, Pulau Weh is not about luxury resorts or beach parties. It’s about stillness, the kind you feel deep in your chest.

The island is wrapped in emerald forests and outlined by pebble-strewn beaches. There are no noisy clubs or chain stores—only nature, clean air, and time to think.

Why It Stands Out

  • Crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving
  • Coral gardens teeming with marine life
  • Locals who greet you with kindness and simplicity
  • The option to rent scooters and explore the island at your own pace

Pulau Weh truly represents slow travel. It’s one of the best islands around India for those who want to pause and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with themselves.

2. Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar – Asia’s Forgotten Paradise

Step into the Mergui Archipelago, a network of over 800 untouched islands in southern Myanmar. If you’re looking for pristine beaches and raw wilderness, this destination delivers like no other.

Only recently opened to tourists, Mergui’s remoteness is its greatest asset. Most beaches are devoid of footprints. You’ll find yourself surrounded by thick jungles, coral reefs, and crystal waters—often with no one else in sight.

What Makes Mergui Special

  • Seclusion that’s rare in today’s travel scene
  • Rich marine life ideal for diving and kayaking
  • Cultural exposure to the Moken tribe, a nomadic sea-faring community
  • Sustainable travel via eco-lodges and guided sailing trips

Reaching Mergui is a bit of a journey—but that’s part of what keeps it so special. Once there, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best islands around India worth discovering before the world does.

3. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman – A Coral Wonderland

Within Indian borders lies Havelock Island, or Swaraj Dweep, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite its popularity among Indian travelers, it remains relatively underappreciated on the international map.

What makes Havelock special isn’t just its beaches—it’s the harmony of accessibility and untouched charm. You can fly into Port Blair and catch a ferry to Havelock, making it one of the most convenient yet rewarding island getaways in India.

Top Experiences in Havelock

  • Relax at Radhanagar Beach, known for its white sands and brilliant sunsets
  • Dive into Elephant Beach for snorkeling, sea walking, and marine photography
  • Enjoy the mix of eco-resorts and luxury beach cottages
  • Visit Kalapathar Beach for quiet reflection and morning walks

It’s one of the best islands around India not just for couples and honeymooners but also for solo travelers and families looking to soak up nature.

Why These Islands Deserve Your Attention

When people search for the best islands around India, they often limit their choices to common names. But these islands—Pulau Weh, Mergui Archipelago, and Havelock—offer more than just landscapes.

They give you space.
They let you breathe.
They remind you that travel can still be sacred.

These islands are ideal for:

  • Slow travelers and digital detoxers
  • Nature lovers and underwater photographers
  • Couples seeking serenity
  • Adventure seekers who prefer hidden gems over hotspots

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of tropical escapes, but few match the raw beauty and emotional impact of these three. The next time you plan a coastal vacation, move beyond the usual and explore the best islands around India that still feel untouched by mass tourism.

These aren’t just places to visit—they’re places to feel alive.